WASHINGTON – Today, Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, and Dianna Wynn, president of the League of Women Voters, released the following statement in announcing No Harm to Our Communities: Mapping Guidance for Elected Leaders, guidance on drawing mid-cycle maps that protect historically disenfranchised communities:

“The League of Women Voters opposes mid-cycle redistricting because it can easily be used to disenfranchise voters based on race or party affiliation. Today, we face uncharted territory as an unpopular, authoritarian President exploits racial division and seeks to silence voters in a shameless bid for power.  

“While we oppose mid-cycle redistricting, it's happening now in states across the country. As Texas approves new maps, the League remains steadfast that any redistricting process must include people's voices.

“Today, the League of Women Voters releases No Harm to Our Communities: Mapping Guidance for Elected Leaders, providing guidance and standards for any governor or redistricting body drawing new maps and demanding the protection of the historically disenfranchised communities. The League will continue doing our part to educate and equip voters for the road ahead in the impacted states. Make no mistake: If a state harms our communities, the League of Women Voters will use the full power of our grassroots network to fight back in court and at the ballot box.

“The League is holding true to our longstanding values. We will always remain nonpartisan in the fight to preserve our democracy, which requires diverse perspectives and is made stronger by including everyone. We will always defend voters, protect communities, and safeguard the integrity of our democracy.”